Built Environment for Rehabilitation: Case Studies of Selected Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nigeria PDF

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Built Environment for Rehabilitation: Case Studies of Selected Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nigeria Faisal Koko Auwalu and Stephen Nwabunwanne Oluigbo Department of Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *[email protected] The character of the built environment of juvenile r...

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Built Environment for Rehabilitation: Case Studies of Selected Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nigeria Faisal Koko

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Built Environment for Rehabilitation: Case Studies of Selected Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nigeria Faisal Koko Auwalu and Stephen Nwabunwanne Oluigbo Department of Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria *[email protected] The character of the built environment of juvenile rehabilitation centres directly impacts on the outcome of the rehabilitation process. The design of such centres should ensure that young offenders who pass through them do not come out more disoriented and hardened. The built environment of juvenile rehabilitation centres should therefore portray rehabilitation rather than retribution. Juvenile rehabilitation centres in Nigeria are in poor conditions and have been described as decaying, and places of punishment. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the built environment of selected juvenile rehabilitation centres in Nigeria through visual survey, and Likert scale questionnaires containing nine attitude statements. The data was analysed using descriptive account, descriptive statistics, and ANOVA. The result shows that the centres were largely positively perceived with respect to the provision of basic amenities, while aspects relating to the image and visual character of the centres were perceived negatively by majority of the respondents. This suggests a deficit in their design. The result of ANOVA shows that there is no significant difference between respondents of the three juvenile rehabilitation centres (BTIK, BTII and KHRCJ) on four attitude statement while significant differences were obtained on five statements. The character and image of the built environment of these centres needs to be improved in order to give them a more positive outlook which will in turn culminate in more positive outcomes for the young offenders. Keywords: Built Environment, Character, Facilities, Juvenile, Rehabilitation.

1. INTRODUCTION Juvenile delinquency poses a great challenge to the sustainable development of many nations. This is due to the large number of potentially productive children and youths who are incarcerated at one time or another. It is a pressing social problems which has detrimental, emotional, physical and economic effect (Tarolla et al, 2002). The enormity of this challenge calls for a sensitive approach which restores the young offenders to normalcy, rather than one which condemns them to final destruction. While some studies have looked at social, cultural and economic roots of this phenomenon (United Nations, UN, 2003; Hunte, 2006; Green et al, 2008; Simoes et al, 2008), others have advocated the abolition of detention or incarceration of young offenders in favour of community and family-based interventions (Holman and Ziedenberg, 2006) and residential placement (Schubert and Mulvey, 2013). This is

due to the unfriendly image and character of many of the juvenile rehabilitation centres, and the fact that many young offenders come out of these centres more hardened. However, while these centres still exist, it is important to pursue interventions that will help them to achieve their objectives. It is therefore vital to make juvenile rehabilitation centres truly rehabilitative rather than punitive. The built environment affects the actions of individuals and their subsequent behaviour and attitudes (Villanueva, 2006), and the character of the built environment has the potential to exert either positive or negative pressure. Therefore, if the goal of juvenile rehabilitation centres is to instil positive attitudes and behaviours, towards reintegration into the society, more attention needs to be given to the character of their built environment. In contrary to this, Burrell (2013) noted that the character of the built environment in many of these centres

15 Journal of Design and Built Environment Vol. 16 (2), December 2016 Auwalu, F. K. & Oluigbo, S. N.

such as, clanging metal doors, limited natural light, cramped spaces, concrete slab beds, among others, projects the feeling of incarceration rather than rehabilitation, thereby making them hostile to youths at a critically vulnerable point in their lives. In Nigeria, young people aged 10 to 19 years, account for a major proportion of the population (Idris and Ejikeme, 2005). This makes them a resource which cannot be allowed to waste. The juvenile justice system asserts that the rights and needs of juveniles are different from those of adults and should be reflected in the way they are treated (Prison Reform, 2006). This objective is captured in the Children and Young Persons Laws (CYPL) that is already applicable in all the states of Nigeria. About 22 states in Nigeria have so far enacted the Child Rights Law based on the Child Rights Act passed by the Nigerian National Assembly in 2003. In spite of this, the harsh realities remain that a large population of juveniles are detained in adult prisons. For those who are adjudged to be more fortunate to be in juvenile rehabilitation centres, the condition seems not to be much better. The state of incarceration centres in Nigeria has been discussed in a number of studies. Adetula et al (2010) described these centres as decrepit, Tenibiaje (2010) noted that they have become places for punishment and hardening of inmates, while Amnesty International (2008) noted that they exhibit harsh and life threating conditions. A rehabilitative built environment for juveniles should create the conditions that will engage the inmates and promote the development of positive attitudes and behaviours. In addition to provision of facilities, utilities, and functional built environment, it should have a soothing image and the appropriate sensual characteristics. While many studies have focused on the built environment in urban and rural settings and their effect on juvenile delinquency, it is important to examine the built environment within the rehabilitation centres, especially from the perspective of the young offenders themselves. Schubert and Mulvey (2013) highlighted the importance of seeing the environment of juvenile institutions through the eyes of the adolescents confined

there. Their perceptions and attitudes should matter if the goal is truly their reformation. Based on this, the objectives of this study are: i.

ii.

To survey the architectural characteristics of built environment in three juvenile rehabilitation centres in Nigeria, and To survey the perception of the young offenders in these centres about their built environment.

2. BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND JUVENILE REHABILITATION The role of the built environment in behaviour control has long been recognised by environmental psychologists and environment behaviour studies. This is because the built environment can support or inhibit human change (Wener, 2012). It also affects cognitive behaviours of an individual, and an understanding about this relationship can help to determine and predict the activity and behaviour of its users (Cummings, 2012). Positive behavioural interventions seek to prevent juveniles from engaging in negative behaviours by changing the environment in which the behaviours occur (Duda and Utley, 2005). Interventions also aimed at helping juveniles to acquire the behavioural and social skills that they will need to succeed in an inclusive environment (Choutka et al, 2004; Lane et al, 2004). The built environment comprises of infrastructural elements, utilities, and all other structures created by humans (McClure and Bartuska, 2007). It is the integrated built context in which individuals live, and it affects the attitude and behaviour of people in many ways (Mazumdar, 2000), and has a significant influence on the development of individuals and their activities and social interactions. Good environmental conditions engender normal development, while bad environmental conditions adversely affect development (Malekpour, 2007). According to the United Nations (UN, 1990), one of the ways of reducing juvenile delinquency is by altering the physical features of the environment through architectural and landscape planning and providing opportunities to engage young people’s interest.

16 Journal of Design and Built Environment Vol. 16 (2), December 2016 Auwalu, F. K. & Oluigbo, S. N.

The built environment for juvenile rehabilitation centres is here discussed under the following: i. Location and site planning; ii. Spatial organisation; iii. Provision of amenities; iv. Supervision and security; v. Visual character; and vi. Psychological character. 2.1 LOCATION AND SITE PLANNING Although barriers may be necessary to maintain security in juvenile rehabilitation centres, Gendreau and Keyes (2001) noted that rehabilitation centres are public social institutions which should be integrated in the community and blend with the surrounding built environment. This is important in order not to disconnect the young offenders from the environment into which they will be discharged. The site design of the centres should aim at deinstitutionalizing them through the creation of a normal and modern built environment that aids rehabilitation of delinquents. It should also allow the physical contact with the outside for individual and group activities (Mcmillen and Justice Planners International JPI, 2005). 2.2 SPATIAL ORGANIZATION The Spatial organizations of a juvenile rehabilitation centre is best organized around spaces that allows for surveillance, optimum utilization of daylight, and ventilation (Waid and Clement, 2001). The layout should have similar functions grouped into functional cluster or arranged in linear sequence with appropriate access to outdoor spaces that must be easily accessible to the users with segregation for privacy. With these requirements, the best form of spatial organization would be a centralized or courtyard form of organization. There is also the need for changing spatial scale and shapes that reflect those normally encountered in daily experience (Mcmillen and JPI, 2005). The central spaces or courtyards when beautified would also serve as good view from different sections of the facility thereby improving the rehabilitation process.

2.3 PROVISION OF AMENITIES Placement in juvenile rehabilitation centres deprives young offenders of the facilities such as school, sports, and other activities which they were used to at their homes. These deprivations should be ameliorated by the rehabilitation centres. Jones (2008) noted the importance of satisfying needs to behavioural interventions. The fulfilling of an individual’s needs results in confidence and happiness, but when the need is not fulfilled, the result is frustration. It is therefore important that the built environment of juvenile rehabilitation centres be targeted at providing the basic amenities to ensure some level of fulfilment in order to prevent frustration. Therefore, the built environment should be versatile and less restrictive in order to afford opportunities for various activities. It should provide conditions for activities that promote positive behaviours and reduce indulgence in negative ones. Sports, recreation and a variety of physical activities should be readily available to discourage idleness and promote healthy social interaction (Mcmillen and JPI, 2005). 2.4 SUPERVISION AND SECURITY The character of the built environment in juvenile rehabilitation centres should play both a conducive and restrictive role (Cummings, 2012). While supervision and security is essential in juvenile rehabilitation centres, an effective design of the built environment should maximize freedom, mobility and flexibility (Marmot, 2002). Circulation corridors should be open and visible, with minimum levels and blind spots in order to provide clear sightlines within the facility (Waid and Clements, 2001; Griffin and Hepburn, 2013). This will reduce the need for direct supervision and promote unobtrusive supervision which enhances the non-institutional nature and encourages normal behaviour (Mcmillen and JPI, 2005). This does not eliminate the need for direct supervision. This is because direct supervision is an effective way to work towards delinquents’ respect, and promotes constant and direct interaction between the staff and the young offenders (Akinci, 2012).

17 Journal of Design and Built Environment Vol. 16 (2), December 2016 Auwalu, F. K. & Oluigbo, S. N.

2.5 VISUAL CHARACTER The first impression communicated to anyone who approaches a building is through visual characteristics or aesthetics, and it is widely understood that first impression is always lasting. Therefore, the elimination of the stereotypical intimidating image of punishment and incarceration is vital for the design of a successful juvenile rehabilitation centre (Atlas and Dunham, 1990). This will reduce the feeling of condemnation which a juvenile feel when being taken to such facilities. Mcmillen and JPI, (2005) noted the importance of a familiar and comfortable surroundings in order to minimize negative reactions such as aggressive behaviour and territorial expressions. The built environment of juvenile rehabilitation centres should therefore strive to achieve home-like characteristics. The architectural character of rehabilitation centre should be inspiring providing clear views from nature, with the use of normalized materials, soft texture and colours (Crowe, 2000). It should also foster an attitude of self-esteem (Reaper and Kamenev, 2004). Other desirable characteristics include: Light colours, decorative accents, spatial openness, and visual variety. 2.6 PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS Holman and Ziedenberg (2006) noted that the detention of young offenders in facilities with the semblance of prisons should be discouraged. Burrell (2013:2) noted that the “removal of a child from the home, even for a brief period, is itself a traumatic event. Loss of liberty, personal identity, and the familiar landscape of daily life is a frightening, disorienting, and life-changing event…especially for young people. Institutional placement deprives young offenders from support from family and friends… who would otherwise help them to cope with anxiety and uncertainty”. This traumatic picture painted by Burrell should be diffused through the creation of a soothing built environment that attempts at replacing these losses and supporting the young offenders. Design of juvenile centres could benefit from a connection with family and kin where possible. This may be projected through the use of materials which allows the offenders

views of the surrounding community and vice versa (Grant, 2014). According to McMillen and JPI (2005), appropriate design of juvenile rehabilitation centres should create spaces that are responsive to residents’ and staff perceptions and behaviours, and the demands of daily programming. Such spaces, contribute in encouraging positive responses and cooperation, and a willingness to take advantage of opportunities. This will reduce the feeling of incarceration and promote connection with the community (Grant, 2014). 3. METHOD OF STUDY In Nigeria, the Borstal institutions and Remand Centre Act, Cap.B11 LTN 2004 recognises Borstal and Remand Centres as federal juvenile correctional institutions. However, states and local governments are authorised to set up similar institution after necessary approval (Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004). There are currently only three Borstal institutions in Nigeria, and these are administered by the Nigerian Prisons Service. The first at Kaduna, the second at Ilorin and the third at Abeokuta. All three only have only male offenders (www.prisons.gov.ng). Based on this, Borstal Training Institution, Kaduna (BTIK), Borstal Training Institution, Ilorin (BTII) which are the two fully functional ones were selected purposively. Also Kafin-Hausa Reformatory Centre (KHRCJ), which is owned by the Jigawa state government was selected as a third case. This also houses only male offenders. BTIK was established in 1960, but formally began operation in 1962. BTII was previously known as the Child Centre and was originally built by the Kwara state government but later handed to the Nigeria Prison Service. The institution was commissioned on the 29th December, 2005. KHRCJ was established in the 80s. As at the time of survey, BTIK has a total of 392 young offenders, BTII had 207, while KHRCJ had 25. Data was collected through visual survey and questionnaire survey. The visual survey examined the built environment of the centres based on characteristics identified in literature as desirable for juvenile rehabilitation centres. The checklist for the visual survey consists of the following:

18 Journal of Design and Built Environment Vol. 16 (2), December 2016 Auwalu, F. K. & Oluigbo, S. N.

Location, site planning, spatial organisation, provision of amenities, security and supervision, visual character, and psychological character. The data obtained through visual survey were analysed descriptively based on requirements for juvenile facilities, and issues raised on the above characteristics as contained in the literature review. Two hundred and thirty-nine (239) questionnaire were administered on the juveniles in the three juvenile rehabilitation centres. Sample size was determined based on Fisher's Formula with known population size as follows: n=

NZ²P (1-P) d² (N-1) + Z²P (1-P) Where:

n = desired sample size N = population size (Number of juvenile delinquents =392 + 207 +25 = 624) Z = Z statistic for 95% level of confidence P = statistic prevalence of occupational stress among delinquents (assumed to be 0.5 since it is unknown) d = precision of estimated prevalence (set at 5% therefore d = 0.05) n=

624 x 1.96² x 0.5 (1-0.5) 0.05² (624-1) + 1.96² x 0.5 (1-0.5) n = 239 juvenile delinquents

Using Proportionate allocation for each rehabilitation centre, that is Kaduna, Ilorin and Jigawa.

One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were administered at BTIK, seventy-nine (79) questionnaires administered at BTII and ten (10) questionnaires administered at KHRCJ. Systematic sampling was used, that is selection of the nth subject at each rehabilitation centre, where n is the number determined by dividing the population at each rehabilitation centre by the required sample size. The questionnaire contained attitude scaling question placed on a continuum of agreement or disagreement as follows: Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1, Disagree (D) = 2, Neutral (N) = 3, Agree (A) = 4, and Strongly Agree (SA) = 5. The five-point scale is simple and common, and is suitable considering the ages and level of education of the respondents. It also allows for a middle or zero point which provides an option for respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed, or had no opinion on the statement (Osuala, 2005). The questions were used to elicit data regarding juvenile perception of their built environment. The collected data was subjected to descriptive analysis to obtain frequencies, percentages, and means using SPSS software. Also, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted in order to examine the differences between the means at the three juvenile rehabilitation centres. 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This section is divided into three main parts. The first part discusses the result of data obtained through visual survey, while the second part discusses the result of questionnaire survey. The third part triangulates and discusses the results in relation to existing literature. 4.1 VISUAL SURVEY RESULTS

The number for each rehabilitation centre is as follows. Kaduna = 392/624 x 239 = 150 Juvenile deli...